Hole, Sweet...Hole. [Kia]

[jack]

"Well. This place is...homey." Sarcasm laced the speaker's tone, his eyes narrowed with distaste and lip curled in a minor sneer as he strode into what would be his room, glancing around with clear displeasure.

Empty, would be a good way to describe it. Empty and unlived in, with a dash of 'barely finished' to go along with. To a guy who was used to spending his time in much more elaborately decorated and much older rooms--age gave a good room spice, he was convinced, and for that matter, history...which was a good thing--it was an absolute let-down.

With a low hiss of annoyance the brown-haired man strode in, dumping his bags on the floor as he stalked to one of the walls, upper lip curling as he picked at it, "I think I can still see where a pick-ax worked this."
It is near where the Queen lives, Mine. Giving a snort, Mask slugged his way in a bit slower, clearly not quite as unhappy about their new living quarters as Mataike was. Not that the Bronze really approved, per say. But it was an area he could certainly live with, especially with the neighbors being as...well...important as this.

"Not that near, Mask." Mataike grumbled, barely noticing as the wher set to exploring, snuffling around like a hound dog. Almost absently he glanced to watch as the creature inspected the bed, mildly amused by the sight. As noble as Mask liked to think he was, he still let himself shuffle around like that. Silly thing.

The man snorted and turned away from the wall, hefting up his own bags before chasing Mask down to snatch the one the wher was carrying. He began to unpack slowly, lighting a couple glows as he went. This...was not going to be a fun evening.

[kia]

Mine! New Handler tonight! Risk shouted in Ridan`s mind as the man sat on his bed and read through some papers. Being the Alpha Handler was not easy, but Ridan admitted that the rewards were worth it. He met many interesting Handlers and Candidates and, so far, had become friends with them all. Risk was already proud of her little group and had already set out to flirt with Nadysk, the Brown in the Weyr that had been up until this point the only potential male she would choose from. But, as Risk reminded him, tonight there was a new Handler arriving. A BronzeHandler who also was a potential mate for Risk in the near future.

"All right. You do not have to yell at me again. I am getting up," Ridan replied.

Hurry! No ruin chance for male no Chase in Run! Risk said, actually insistent on meeting this pair.

"Love, I could never ruin your chances for him not to Chase you. You are a lovely Queen, and he would more than likely Chase you based on beauty. Now hold on while I get this sharding shirt on," the man said, chuckling as he pulled his arms through the sleeves and then the rest over his head. Now that he looked presentable, he looked at his Gold who stared at him with impatience. It was strange to see the Gold this way. Normally she would have waited happily, but since the recent slight shift of color change in hide, Risk had become a bit possessive. First it had been with him, then with Ryka, next with Nadysk, and now this Bronze that she had never met before. She could not be that close yet. She was barely glowing. It would be another while yet before she Ran.

The pair walked side by side, but Risk seemed to be trying to walk faster. Occasionally, Ridan felt like she was trying to push him to walk faster. He chuckled to himself. He figured he would let her have this fun. Who was he to deny her fun as long as it did not hurt her?

They arrived after a bit of walking. Ridan checked over his shirt after being prompted by Risk and knocked on the door. The glows were on, which meant someone had moved in her. And, as far as he knew, this new Handler was the only person new that way moving. Ridan knocked again. "Hello? Is anyone here? This Ridan, Alpha Handler of Gold Risk. We heard there was a new Handler arriving tonight and we wanted to meet and greet them," he said politely and happily, always glad to welcome someone new into the ranks.

[jack]

Mask was the first to notice the new arrivals, Mataike too busy digging his way through one bag--intent on finding a particular object--to pay attention. The Bronze lifted his head with a snort, blinking once before abruptly turned towards the entrance and trotting over. Even as Mataike stood up from his hunt, a target board that should have been much easier to find, considering it was the size of the bag itself in hand, the Bronze had stuck his head out, and was regarding the duo with notable intrigue.

You is Alpha? He tilted his head to the side, seeming as though he would maybe continue before noticing Risk. Almost immediately he perked up, lifting his head and pushing his wings back to puff out his chest, showing off just how big and strong he was. Ooh. Hello, pretty shiny.

"So you're our new bosses, hm?" Target long left behind and smooth smirk in place, Mataike approached the doorway, gently shoving Mask away so he could open it properly. "My. Quite impressive, aren't you?" With a laugh he thrust out a hand, all charm and beaming happiness as he did.

Alright, so things weren't quite as bad as he'd thought. The Queen was quite a striking creature, and while he wasn't an expert, he was almost sure he saw a slightly abnormal glow to her hide. Mask seemed to like her as well, which was always a plus. Not that he'd ever met a Queen he hadn't liked. As for the Queen's partner...well, he'd been expecting a girl. But this man wasn't so bad--certainly wasn't an ugly fellow. He tilted his head, regarding the man softly, until he felt the other's hand against his own fingers, and pulled it gently closer, leaning down to press his lips against the man's knuckles. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ridan, Risk. I'm Mataike, and this lug is Mask."

[kia]

Ridan looked down at the head that had poked out of the room. Ridan blinked quietly as he heard a voice question him about being the Alpha. Well, as Ridan quickly looked over himself once more, he did have to somewhat agree with the Wher. He never did look imposing or anything and he rarely gave off the appearance of being the Alpha Handler. He had gotten so use to walking around here in normal outfits that people just knew who he was with a simple look. Well, there was this new Handler here, and Candidates were on their way. Which meant, and he nearly blanched at the idea, he would need to start looking like someone of his high, but somewhat small, rank. Well, he had that jacket in his room with his GoldHandler jacket. All he needed to do was stitch in the knots that proved he was Alpha Handler now that he was here at Benecio.

Mine, attention! Risk said quickly, bringing Ridan`s attention back to the present. She rumbled lightly, almost making a purring noise, as Mask greeted her. He was an Impressive Bronze, but he had greet her as a pretty shiny. She agreed she was shiny and pretty, but she was a Queen. Name Risk, Gold Queen of Whers. You? she asked, sitting down and tucking her wings in, showing off every inch of her lovely beauty, glory, and dignity. She demanded respect at all times, even when she was allowing a male to try and woo her.

Ridan looked up as Mataike made his appearance. Ridan smiled when Mataike mentioned that Ridan looked impressive. Yeah, he should have worn his jacket. Now he was not even sure if this man would take him seriously, but apparently he was going to as he offered a hand. Well, that cheered Ridan up as he extended his hand and took Mataike`s hand. During this quick moment, Ridan took a moment to look at Mataike carefully. He was not surprised to see a man with Bronze Wher. It was usually preferred for men to Impress the Bronze, but occasionally women with strong personalities and abilities also got the chance. Then again, Ridan was quite different than many QueenHandlers. Most Handler with Golds were females, not males, so Ridan had a lot to do to impress others. Luckily, Fajra must have been impressed with him to allow him to stay Alpha Handler here.

Ridan`s eyes slid downward as Mataike leaned down to press his lips to his hand. Ridan felt a slightly pink rise into his face, something that did not happen to him normally and not easy enough. Nadya had been polite, bowing even, when they first met. But this man was very different, as if the man understood the position he was in. Ridan almost chuckled with nervousness, not expecting someone to be this formal with him. "I-It is a pleasure to meet you, too. Welcome to Dalibor. If there is anything you need to help with your move in or anything, please just let me. I am always glad to help others out, especially other Handlers," he said with some nervousness, apparent got off guard and impressed with Mataike.

[jack]

Ever polite, Mask slid out of the doorway to better allow the humans to converse, taking a stance near the wall where he could better see Risk. With apt attention he looked her up and down, the flicking to his tail and the clenching of his claws showing his approval, Queen is right. He agreed, eyes whirling pleasantly, Queen of all whers. Catching a glance at Mataike as he was bowing Mask mirrored the action, dipping his head and lifting one foreleg, Bronze Mask, at service.

A flicker of victory flashed in Mataike's mind, his smile broadening slightly as he caught sight of that lovely pink flush. It was always nice to know that he could make an Impression on those around him, especially when they were as...ranking as this one. Licking his lips absently, he tilted his head, looking mildly smug even as he arched a brow and tsked. "That sounds like something I should be saying, Mister Alpha." He teased, winking as he finally let the other's hand slide from his grip, "There's absolutely no reason for a person as good-looking and regal as yourself to stoop to physical labor."

With a light laugh he put his hands on his hips, smiling his charming little smile as he did, "I'm more than capable of doing some physical labor. Please, if you ever need it, allow me to repay the honor of your presence." Okay, perhaps he was laying it on a bit thick there. But for some reason, it was easier to kiss-up to this man than it had ever been to be a teacher's pet. Interesting.

[kia]

Bronze indeed. Impressive for color. Better than Whers in old Weyr, Risk replied to Mask, voicing her opinion and her happiness in having the other here. At least there were more Whers starting to come. It meant that she would soon have more company to talk with and be with while also leading her little group of Whers. They may never populate the Weyr with as many Whers as there were dragons, but Risk would still give Whers their opportunity to show what they were capable of. Mask want walk me? she asked, wanting to know if he wanted to walk with her. After all, Mask was like her. He would need to know where things were, like where the animals were kept for food.

Ridan watched as Mataike moved away from him. A bit of him was sad to see the man move off. And, catching his own thoughts, Ridan felt the blush deepen a bit more. He had just met this man and already he was harboring some feelings for him. It was like that with M`kiru, but M`kiru had surely moved on from him by now. Besides, he and that BlackRider had made their promise on that night, under the moon, in the foliage as they took pleasure in one anothers. Unspoken and mutual pleasure. But, M`kiru would never join Dalibor. He seemed to enjoy his life on the outside. Ridan passed the thought out of his mind as he stared at Mataike, watching how the man moved his hands and placed him on his hips, almost enticing. Very enticing, Ridan`s mind purred to him.


Ridan smiled at Mataike again. "I am sure you are more than capable of hard work. Being a Handler is hard work. But, I am not afraid of hard work. These hands have been worked till they have had blisters, and even still till the blisters burst. But, I doubt you want the dirty details. Physical labor reminds me, even to this day, how much it took for me to even get here with Risk. So, I still extend my offer to you. If you need anything, please ask. After all, what kind of an Alpha Handler would I be if I did not make sure of the well-being of my fellow Handlers?" he asked, still trying to polite despite his own physical desire welling up in his mind. But he could not go around sleeping with every person he found... attractive. He wanted to know a little about this man first. "So, if I may ask, what was it like for you, living at where you came from?" he asked.

[jack]

Just as Risk was sizing him up, Mask to was observing the other wher, noting down in his simple mind all the aspects that he expected in a perfect Queen and finding them in her. A potentially perfect match, his thoughts screamed, and Mataike glanced over at the wher lazily, lifting a brow absently before returning his attention again to Ridan. As much as he loved his wher--in his own way--he would much rather stare at this fellow than the big Bronze lug. Proudly. Mask agreed, nodding eagerly before stepping to the side, allowing the Gold to move any way she might like.

As Ridan spoke Mataike was watching, his attention more on the man and his features than the words he said. In his mind, just as Mask was rating Risk, Mataike was observing Ridan, searching for weakness and cowardice, as well as for strength. One side of him was looking for a leader he could dominate, someone he could woo and win and devour...taking over everything they could possibly offer. But another part of him was taking note of just the opposite, and finding it to be an appealing aspect. A leader that could match him? That he could respect, but who could respect him?

He licked his lips and snapped back into the real world, blinking before a smooth smile slid into place and he slid slowly closer, giving Ridan all the time in the world to tell him to move. "All of that hard work...for all that time.." He lifted a hand and reached out to the Handler, again giving Ridan all the time he could want to move away before pressing his fingers and palm gently against the other's cheek, stroking the flesh almost lovingly, "To get what you deserved. Doesn't that warrant a break? A right to a break?" He smiled, a suave little expression, and let his hand return to his side, gesturing for the other to join him inside.

"Here, while the whers are exploring. Would you like to sit down?" He personally stalked to the bed, plopping down upon it before offering a seat at his side before replying, "Life..was boring, to be honest. I had a secure place in the weyr, and a secure future. Coming here is..much more exciting."

[kia]

Risk stood up and started moving along again, this time without her Handler and with another Wher. She was not planning on going too far. Just down to where the beasts were kept at night. Besides, the workers were starting to get use to her nightly presence. They might as well get use to the fact that more than one Wher occupied this place. She turned to look at Mask, making sure that the male was still following her. She liked his coloration, for a Bronze. Most Bronzes she knew from her previous Weyr had been that dark, drabby color. There, she had no worthy males to chase her. But here, far from that other Gold and males that were constantly finding her every night so she would pick them at next Run, she could have her pick from this handsome Bronze and the brave Brown that also lived here. She arrived at the fence where the beasts were kept. She heard the panicked noises of the beasts as they saw and smell her and the male. This place beasts kept. Human nervous but starting get use to presence, she told him.

Ridan felt like time had slowed down when Mataike reached out to touch his cheek. He felt a small prickling sensation jolt from him. His mind was racing as Mataike`s words right his ears. So much work and time spent in his position, when had he ever had a break? Well, the last one he could remember was when he had been traveling around Western Continent, taking time to draw, a pastime that Ridan had long enjoyed before he had been Searched and Impressed to Risk later. But, since his arrival here, he had been busy, welcoming Handlers, greeting them, getting to know them, keeping Risk happy, teaching Wherlings, and so much more. A break sounds nice, his thoughts went on as he unconsciously seemed to lean into Mataike`s hand.

It was when Mataike pulled his hand away that Ridan found himself staring at Mataike. "Life was boring," he said almost lazily, as if he was just repeating the words. He moved over to Mataike and sat down next to him. "Well, I hope things at the Weyr will be exciting for you. So far, the last exciting thing to happen to us Handlers was a recent Hatching which end with only one of three eggs Hatching. But the only egg to Hatch revealed a vivid Blue with a bright personality. They should make a good pair once they get older," he said. But, really, as he spoke, his eyes kept taking Mataike in. Not just face, everything. And Ridan knew he was not being discrete. Since Mataike had said the word break, Ridan had not been able to get his mind off of what Mataike would be like...~

[jack]

As Risk lead the way, Mask paid close attention to her. Not only so that he could memorize the way--which he did easily--but so that he could observe her as well. While she mused over him and his chances, he too was thinking, although rather than just be knocked over by her beauty, he was assessing as thoroughly as she was. Risk was a good size for a Gold, with a glistening and well-cared for hide. That indicated her Mine was attentive as well, and as regal as she seemed, the thoughts bumping around in Mataike's mind told the wher that she was also strong-willed--strong enough to take charge of her very own Mine once in a while but knowing Ridan would be right at times. That was a good trait, as far as Mask was concerned.

She moved beautifully too, with smooth even steps. He absently tilted his head as they walked together, and with a little rumble of approval he stretched out his own stride, coming up beside her as they came to a stop. They should be nervous. He replied softly, looking at the beasts with a soft echo of hunger, Everyone bit nervous in presence of great Gold.

Mataike let a smooth little smile slide into place as he noticed Ridan's wandering gaze. He flexed willingly under that stare, not close enough to be noticeably showing off, but just enough to silently tell the handler that, yes. He could tell when he was being checked out. Blinking, he tilted his head, and gave a rumble of a chuckle, laying back against his bed to stare absently at the ceiling. "Things...are already much better here." He replied softly, giving an honest smile as he looked to the man, appreciation glimmering in his gaze, "I can't remember the last time my view was so gorgeous."

[kia]

True, she responded. Most humans respect. She looked over at Mask and knew he had been watching her. Of course the males would watch her. She was their Queen and she had to look her best if not be the best of her color. Unlike dragons and Fire Lizards, Golds were the only Queen color among Whers, or so she knew so far. Therefore, she had to not only be a Queen but look like a Queen among Queens.

Ridan caught the signs of flexing and quickly brought his eyes back up to the Handler`s face. So he had been caught checking the other Handler out. It was a bit embarrassing. Risk may be Queen and she only looked for the best in males as potential weyrmates and fathers for her clutch, but could Ridan not look a lot for himself? Ridan may have had some bedmates before in the past, Ridan was usually looking for someone to be a more permanent bedmate for him. And even if Mataike was not that person, would Mataike even consider him to be a bedmate for a while?

The blonde man smiled lightly at Mataike, his amber eyes slightly dark in the dimly lighted room that he was sitting in at the moment. Ridan reached up to move a small strand of hair out of his face, which reminded him that he would need to trim his hair soon. "Maybe I can show you some other beautiful sights sometime, if you would allow me," Ridan spoke up. Another slight blush rose in his cheeks, knowing full well what his mind was thinking. "Sometimes, if you wake up early enough, you can catch the end of some beautiful sunsets. Or maybe you could come to my room sometime. I draw sometimes so you can see the drawings and not have to get up," he said, trying to figure a way to spend more time with this man.